All Eyes on iii as They Make a Dramatic K-pop Entrance
It’s official—rookie girl group iii has entered the K-pop arena, and they didn’t just knock—they kicked the door wide open. On June 29, the trio made their music show debut on KBS2’s Music Bank, performing the title track of their debut single ‘RE:AL iii’, titled ‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’.
A Dramatic Take on Classical Meets K-pop
‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’ isn’t your average debut single. Built around the iconic melody of ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt suite, the song reimagines classical music through a sleek K-pop lens. Think fairytale fantasy meets neon-lit rebellion. The result? A hypnotic blend of dreamy instrumentals and hard-hitting basslines that fans can’t get enough of.
Performance That Screams ‘Not a Rookie’
On stage, iii served up serious attitude with a side of fashion-forward chic. Their outfits were a bold mix of kitsch and high street with hip-hop edge—very Gen Z, very global stage-ready. Delivering tightly-synced choreography and fierce expressions, the members made it clear they weren’t here to just play around.
The Sky Isn’t Even the Limit
More than just a flashy debut, ‘RE:AL iii’ marks a new beginning for iii’s concept, which intriguingly toes the line between digital AI aesthetics and real-life artistry. According to the group’s label, the track carries a theme of hope and transformation—about breaking free from dark realities and embracing self-evolution.
What’s Next for iii?
The buzz is already spreading, and iii isn’t slowing down. They’re headed to SBS’s Inkigayo next, solidifying their presence across major music shows. With a blend of conceptual flair, classical fusion, and Gen Z confidence, iii is already proving they’re not your average rookie group.
Photo © KBS2 ‘Music Bank’ broadcast
